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From the Editor....

This issue puts the spotlight on a rare occurrence: the work of a talented
student writing a specific cinema history.
An interest in theatre buildings, or theatre in general, is usually the province of
those who were 'inoculated' in childhood by an outing to the Christmas
pantomime, or a 'night at the pictures' when the phrase conjured almost as much
pre-show magic as the feature attraction.
How exciting then to find that 16-year old Niall Maurici was prepared to enter
the National History Competition 2006 on the subject of the State North Hobart,
and win it. His essay is reprinted here, with additional photos kindly supplied by
The official journal of the Cinema And Adrian Jacobson, who has an equally interesting association with the same
Theatre Historical Society Inc.
theatre.
Australia
This issue includes another chapter in an occasional series on the development
ISSN 1443-3664 • Published quarterly
★ of theatre in the western world. This time Cameron Hall takes us back to Roman
times. Some commentators conclude that it is impossible now to understand much
Editor: Ian Smith
★ of the thought processes of the peoples who so strongly shaped the world we have
inherited. On the other hand, when you read here how the populace forsook
CinemaRecord Artwork:
structured drama for low comedy, the thought occurs - some things haven't
Bill Kerr, Optimum Design 9419 4144 changed that much after all.
★
New Zealand theatre historian David Lascelles has provided our cover story,
The main aim of CATHS and this
the Regent Dunedin, an example of how local architects created their variation on
publication is to accurately document and
formal Regent style. For readers who don't know the layout of Dunedin, the
create an archive of the history of
Octagon, where the Regent is located, is the equivalent of a city square, but with
cinemas and theatres.
more 'sides'.
Input in the form of articles,
Peter Wolfenden's coverage of the many outlets for cinema in the town of
constructive criticism, and substantiated
Murray Bridge in South Australia is an example of a specific story serving to
dispute of printed matter is welcome and
explain a general phenomenon - the time when moving pictures were the most
necessary to enable us to reach our
exciting of all entertainments.
objective.
Opinions expressed are those of the By the way, in case you are thinking - what next for Niall Maurici? - he hopes
Editor or contributors and unless to become a film director. From all of us at CATHS, good luck Niall.
expressly stated so, are not necessarily – Ian Smith
those of the Cinema And Theatre
Historical Society Inc. NOW SHOWING!
Articles printed in CinemaRecord
should not be reproduced without the
permission of the author or the editor.
All photos are from the collection of 4 Letters and Newsreel
the person or organisation stated. Every 6 The State, North Hobart - Niall Maurici
effort has been made to trace the The story of a feisty cinema survivor
ownership of copyright. In the event of
10 Silver Screens of Murray Bridge - Peter Wolfenden
any questions arising as to the use of any A proud river town attracted many show people
material, the author and publisher will be
happy to make the necessary corrections 16 The Regent Dunedin - David Lascelles
in future printings. Fresh ideas enliven Regent-style
Contributions and suggestions for 22 Regent Dunedin: Inspiration from Classical Architecture
CinemaRecord are most welcome. Please Ross Thorne explains an interesting feature
contact the Editor if you are planning
24 Theatres of the Roman Age - Cameron Hall
to write an article for the magazine. Rome appropriates Greek culture
We may be able to assist you with
30 Memoirs of a Film Distributor - Peter Broome
information, contacts, etc and it will help
us with forward planning. Television rules, and Fox steps into the thick of it
★ 34 At the Paramount Maryborough - Roderick Smith and Kate Branton
Recollections of good times over thirty years
Contact: Ian Smith
Telephone: 5443 0692 (1-9pm)
Email: iansmith8@bigpond.com Images in this publication are from CATHS Archive unless credited to another source.
Postal Address: PO Box 476,
Bentleigh, Victoria, 3204 Cover: The jewel of the Octagon in Dunedin: The Regent Theatre, from a pen
sketch by Shona McFarlane for the Otago Theatre Trust.
CINEMARECORD 2007 3